You are on page 1of 1

HORMONES & YOU

www.hormone.org

Primary Aldosteronism
What is primary aldosteronism? Hyperaldosteronism is a condition that occurs when your adrenalstwo small glands located on top of each kidneyproduce too much of the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone helps balance the levels of sodium (salt) and potassium in your body. Having too much aldosterone causes the body to hold on to sodium, resulting in water build-up and a rise in blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can put you at risk for stroke, heart attack, heart failure, or kidney failure. When the increase of aldosterone is caused by a problem in your adrenals, the condition is called primary aldosteronism (PA). The main causes of PA are: Overactivity of both adrenal glands (called bilateral idiopathic hyperplasia), which occurs in about two-thirds of cases A noncancerous growth in the adrenal (also called Conns syndrome), which occurs in about one-third of cases A genetic disorder (familial hyperaldosteronism), which is rare A cancerous tumor of the adrenal gland, which is very rare
Primary aldosteronism (PA) was once thought to be a rare condition. Now, experts say as many as one in ten patients with high blood pressure may have PA. The risk of heart disease and stroke may be even greater in patients with PA than in other patients with high blood pressure.

Risk Factors for Primary Aldosteronism


You may be at risk for primary aldosteronism if you have high blood pressure that: 1. Requires more than 3 medications to manage 2. Started at a young age (less than 30 years of age) 3. Is associated with a family history of stroke at a young age 4. Is associated with a low potassium level (called hypokalemia)

that work to block the action of aldosterone in your body. When a tumor is the cause, medication and lifestyle changes can be used to treat PA. However, in this situation, surgery is usually recommended to remove the adrenal gland containing the tumor. After surgery, you may still need to take medication. In addition to taking medication, patients with high blood pressure should follow a healthy lifestyle by:

PLEASE TEAR HERE

P R I M A RY A L D O S T E R O N I S M

reducing sodium (salt) in the diet losing weight, if needed exercising regularly limiting alcohol and caffeine intake stopping smoking

How is primary aldosteronism diagnosed? To diagnose PA, your doctor may measure the levels of aldosterone and renin in your blood. Renin is a protein produced by the kidney that normally controls aldosterone production in the adrenal glands. However, in primary aldosteronism, renin levels are low and aldosterone levels are high. If PA is diagnosed, your doctor will run further tests to see if you have a noncancerous tumor in one adrenal gland or if both adrenal glands are overactive (bilateral hyperplasia). How is primary aldosteronism treated? Treatment of PA depends on its cause. When both adrenals are overactive, treatment includes medication and lifestyle changes. A special type of diuretic (water pill) may be prescribed along with limiting sodium (salt) in your diet. Your doctor may prescribe either spironolactone or eplerenone, which are special diuretics

What should you do with this information? High blood pressure is a potentially life-threatening condition. If you have any of the risk factors for primary aldosteronism, you should be tested by a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis of PA is important so that your blood pressure can be controlled. This, in turn, will help you avoid or lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Remember that it is important to stay with the treatments, followups, and lifestyle changes your doctor recommends to ensure a healthy outcome. Resources
Find-an-Endocrinologist: www.hormone.org or call 1-800HORMONE (1-800-467-6663) Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ UpToDate Patient Resource Center: http://patients.uptodate.com/

EDITORS: Paul Stewart, MD, FRCP William Young, MD, MSc December 2007

For more information on how to find an endocrinologist, download free publications, translate this fact sheet into other languages, or make a contribution to The Hormone Foundation, visit www.hormone.org or call 1-800-HORMONE (1-800-467-6663). The Hormone Foundation, the public education affiliate of The Endocrine Society (www.endo-society.org), serves as a resource for the public by promoting the prevention, treatment, and cure of hormone-related conditions. This page may be reproduced non-commercially by health care professionals and health educators to share with patients and students. The Hormone Foundation 2007

You might also like